While some stores and businesses have cell phone recycling
stations to drop off your old and worn cell phone which is then taken to a
facility to be shredded or physically dismantled, Nokia is looking to a new
method that could be more cost effective. Through research done at the Nokia
Research Center in conjunction with three universities in Finland, is
showcasing a prototype cell phone that can be disassembled by applying heat which
then separates the various components of the phone to make them easier to
recycle. From Nokia:

The idea is to
disassemble a mobile phone by a heat-activated mechanism without any contact.
By using a centralized heat source like laser heating, the shape memory alloy
(SMA) actuator is activated, and the mobile phone covers are opened. The
battery, display, printed wiring board (PWB) and mechanical parts are separated
and can then be recycled in their material specific recycling processes. The
required temperature for the disassembly is 60-150 ºC.

Nokia goes on to say that takes on average two minutes to
dismantle a cell phone using traditional methods. With its new process, the
company cuts that time down to two seconds. And for those of you worrying about
your phone falling to pieces while sitting inside your hot car, don't worry.
The 60C
threshold for disassembly should be well above their average temperature of a
car left in the hot sun all day.

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